Last week, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act. Specifically, the hearing focused on accountability issues. Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) underscored the importance of identifying what information schools should report and how that information should be disseminated to students. He also spoke about strengthening accrediting agencies while simultaneously ensuring that they are not replacing local decision-makers. Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) centered her remarks on the need for strong accountability, particularly for for-profit institutions.
At times, the hearing spotlighted the value of meaningful credentials that both align with industry needs and that increase employment and earning potentials for students. In particular, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) noted that while a four-year degree is required in some fields, the most important thing is that learners obtain the skills that employers demand, which do not always equate to a four-year degree. Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) also discussed his experience as a businessman, noting the workforce shortages he has seen in his own business could be addressed with one- and two-year credentials.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also promoted the College Transparency Act during his remarks. The bill would create a data system available to prospective students that would track important postsecondary metrics like completion rates and post-collegiate outcomes, like earning and employment data.
ACTE continues to closely monitor and be involved issues surrounding accountability in higher education, particularly as Congress considers reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
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